By KRWG News
Las Cruces – The funding future does not look bright for New Mexico's planned military museum.
New Mexico lawmakers authorized more than $1.6 million to begin developing the New Mexico Military History Museum in Las Cruces.
But the economy has since faltered, and lawmakers did not approve money for the museum this year.
The state spent nearly $1 million designing the museum. The rest of the $1.6 million went to a museum planner and an exhibit design firm.
The land for it not been purchased, and officials aren't certain where they'll get the $25 million to $30 million to build it.
Democratic state Sen. John Arthur Smith of Deming says New Mexico cannot afford another museum.
He says even if it were built, the state doesn't have the money to run it.
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Information from: KRQE-TV, http://www.krqe.com
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.